Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a general state which causes pain and weakness in the muscles of the hand.

There is a small tunnel like structure in wrist joint that houses a nerve called the median nerve. This specific nerve is significant for functions and sensations of the muscles of the palm. Any enhancement in the contents of the carpal tunnel or reduces in the size of the tunnel itself can constrict the nerve as it passes throughout the tunnel from the hand into the palm.

Causes

The accurate cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of is unknown though certain medical and occupational conditions can increase risks.

pregnancy

oral contraceptive pills

diabetes

Acromegaly

rheumatoid arthritis

trauma and fracture of wrist bone (lunate)

Premenstrual stress.

Repetitive stress

under active thyroid functions

osteoarthritis

cardiac failure

Other factors which increase the likelihood of CTS are:

CTS affecting any family member.

Occupations (assemblage line workers, food processors, meat packers and the like, not general office work)

Obesity

Age (40)

Stress

Symptoms

Lack of sensation and tingling specially of the thumb, index and middle fingers.

In early phase this sensation is more like having your hands simply "falling asleep" (In fact, merely pain with nonexistence of this sensation makes this diagnosis unlikely).

With intense pain, relief is obtained by typically shaking or flicking the wrist

Weakness of the muscles of the palms

trouble in making a fist

Tendency to drop things easily

Difficulty in Grasping objects

Person tends to become clumsy

Later on, there is observable wasting of the muscles of the palm

Commonly, the symptoms emerge at night as many people sleep with bent wrists which additionally compress the carpal tunnel. Simple flexing of the hand at the wrist to 900 causes significant reduction in the tunnel size.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose this condition in the clinic (PHALEN'S TEST, TINEL'S TEST).

In few cases of suspicion these investigations may be used

Electromyography

Ultrasonography.

Nerve conduction studies

MRI

Prevention

The unbeaten way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to take frequent breaks from recurring movement such as computer keyboard usage as well as treating the precipitating conditions (hypothyroidism, diabetes etc.)

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Lifestyle Modifications

Decrease excessive consumption of

sugars

protein intake

foods containing yellow dyes

alcohol

Penicillamine

caffeine

radiation exposure

tobacco

oral contraceptives, post-menopausal drugs

processed grains and corn

estrogens

Have more of these in your diet

whole grains

seeds

soybeans

fresh salmon and cod (cold-water, non-farmed)

brewer's yeast

nuts (peanuts, walnuts)

molasses

liver

Avocadoes, bananas, prunes, blueberries

Cabbage

Wheat bran and [wheat] germ etc.

green leafy vegetables

raisins

It is also suggested to make efforts in adopting a more ergonomic work and life environment.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy can be considered a good alternative to the use of steroid in most cases. It is recommended to initiate with homeopathy before choice for cortisone.

It can offers great control in pain and stiffness, providing a substitute to pain killers. Homeopathic medicines are safe and do not have side effects what the NSAIDS have.

There are no side-effects to homeopathic treatment.

Timely homeopathic treatment can prevent the use of surgery.

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